Chris Harris Takes A Spin In The 2015 BMW i8: Video

We’ve just driven the 2015 BMW i8 and found it to be quite impressive, although we have to concede that it doesn’t feel like a finely-tuned sports car but rather a luxurious tourer with the ability to run on pure electricity. Here’s what Chris Harris from across the pond thinks of it, shown in his latest episode for YouTube channel /DRIVE.

Although the i8 features technology similar to that found in million dollar supercars like the Ferrari LaFerrari, McLaren P1 and Porsche 918 Spyder, the car competes against the likes of the Audi R8 and Porsche 911. But it stands apart due to its impressive fuel economy--in excess of 50 mpg combined.

This is due to its sophisticated drivetrain that pairs a turbocharged and direct-injected 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine with an electric motor, and from which BMW engineers have managed to extract an impressive 362 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque--enough for 0-62 mph in less than 4.5 seconds and a governed top speed of 155 mph. You might be thinking this kind of setup isn’t going to sound very good, but the engineers have taken care of this, too.

The i8 will start arriving at selected BMW dealers in September, priced from $135,925.